From NAMI WOOD COUNTY
NAMI Wood County will host AfterBurn, its annual fall fundraising and Mental Illness Awareness week event, Friday, Oct. 3, from 4:30-7:30 p.m., at the Wood County Fairgrounds, 13800 W. Poe Road, Bowling Green.
This is the seventh year for the event that includes a Trunk or Treat Community Resource Fair, kid-friendly games and activities, a chili cook-off, recovery celebration and raffle prizes.
The organization is selling tickets to a special raffle this year. Two winners will receive a half hog, processed by Frobose Meat Locker in Pemberville. Tickets, which are being sold online until Oct. 3, are $5 each or 5 tickets for $20. The winners will be announced during the AfterBurn event. They can specify cuts and packaging with Frobose and arrange for pick up at the shop in Pemberville.
Admission to the event is free, but preregistration is encouraged at the AfterBurn webpage. Click on “Free AfterBurn” Admission. Purchases can also be made online for the hog raffle, other raffles, the pulled pork meal, chili tasting, and AfterBurn T-shirts.
Businesses and organizations can contribute to AfterBurn through an event sponsorship through Sept. 26.
This year, AfterBurn includes a new twist—fundraise for mental health. When you sign upfor the event, you will get the opportunity to help raise funds to further NAMI WoodCounty’s mission. Create an individual fundraiser or work together with family, friends or coworkers to promote your group fundraiser. The top individual fundraiser and top group fundraiser will win prizes at this year’s event. Visit https://doityourway.nami.org/woodcountyohio to learn how to participate.
For those unable to attend AfterBurn this year, contributions can be made online.
Also during Mental Illness Awareness Week, the organization will host avolunteer day called “Chip-In Day,” on Tuesday, Sept. 30 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the NAMI Wood County office,1250 Ridgewood Dr., Bowling Green. Visit https://namiwoodcounty.org/volunteer-with-nami-wood-county/ to register for Chip-In Day.
All proceeds from the event go toward free programming offered to individuals affected by mental illness in Wood. County.
Mental Illness Awareness Week is observed the first week of October each year. NAMI affiliates across the country raise awareness of mental illness, fight discrimination and provide support. NAMI Wood County believes that mental health conditions are important to discuss year-round, but highlighting them during Mental Illness Awareness Week provides a dedicated time for mental health advocates to come together as one unified voice.
